“This is one of the most exciting things for the community over the next 20 to 30 years,” Mayor John Noak said.

On Wednesday April 18th, the Village of Romeoville officially adopted a plan for future development on the East Side. Developed by consulting firm Teska Associates, the East Side Plan is a blueprint of sorts, outlining potential uses for the area surrounding the future Romeoville Metra station.

Konstantine Savoy, principal urban planner for Teska, discussed that the plan was developed with an eye to balancing development with the preservation of open space, saying the plan preserves 50 percent of the existing natural areas and creates new bike paths and trail linkages. The plan also puts emphasis on creating connectivity between the East Side and the village’s downtown area, which is also slated to undergo a revitalization.

Funded mainly by an $80,000 Regional Transportation Grant, the plan was created using feedback not only from village staff and transportation officials, but also the public. Several public meetings were held during development of the plan, with opportunities for community members to offer suggestions and opinions.